BOAT, Theatre N16

PIGDOG present:


BOAT
Theatre N16
19 October – 5 November, 7.30pm

Pigdog_Publicity

This October plays host to the first full-length production run at Theatre N16’s thrilling new venue in Balham. New company PIGDOG will conduct this maiden voyage with BOAT, the debut play from award-winning poet and novelist Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

Pigdog_Publicity_sqThe girl is eleven and all she wants is to find a new home. But she’s been on this boat for what feels like forever. She can’t remember her name, or the last time she saw one of the litter lands. For miles around it’s just her, the sea creatures and her twin sister. And her twin has been asleep for a very long time.

Millwood Hargrave creates the fantasy world of a girl who has been wrenched from her own country and thrust into an unfamiliar world, as part of the child trafficking industry that plagues our society. The story of two young non-British girls on a boat – one of whom has lost her life – cannot fail to conjure up some of the tragic images of the migrant crisis seen recently on the news and social media.

In BOAT, Millwood Hargrave hauntingly wrestles with her own experience of assault, which has informed her work for several years. She is an internationally-renowned poet, whose work won her the Yeovil International Poetry Prize in 2013 and gained her the honour of being named a Barbican Young Poet. Her debut novel comes out in the US (Knopf [Random House]) and UK (Chicken House Books) in 2016.

This is PIGDOG’s first piece as a company. Co-founders Max Barton (director) and Shawn Soh (designer), who collaborated on the critically acclaimed and award-nominated Piranha Heights at the Old Red Lion in 2014, and on Philip Ridley’s Karagula, which has its professional world premiere in 2016, will work with renowned sound artist Jethro Cooke (who performs live) to create a world vivid enough to do justice to Millwood Hargrave’s stunning imagery. The diverse cast and creative team include artists from Singapore, Romania, Mexico and British artists of Indian and Jewish descent.

All performances will be Extra-Live*/Relaxed and a selection will be BSL interpreted (dates TBC).

—————————————————————————

Title: BOAT
Company: PIGDOG
Performance Dates: October 19th 2015 – November 5th 2015, Sunday to Thursday, 7:30pm
Running Time: 75mins
Venue: Theatre N16, The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HD
Ticket Price: £14 (£10 concessions)
Box Office: Theatresource (www.ticketsource.co.uk/theatren16)
Travel: Balham station (2 min walk), Streatham Hill station (20 min walk)
Links: Theatre ([theatren16.co.uk]theatren16.co.uk), Company ([wearepigdog.com]wearepigdog.com)

CHRISTMAS DREAMS COME TRUE AS NORTHERN BALLET BRINGS THE NUTCRACKER TO NEWCASTLE.

This winter the ultimate family adventure comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal as Northern Ballet returns to the stage with the dazzling tale of one child’s Christmas dreams coming true, in festive season favourite The Nutcracker from 10 – 14 Nov 2015.

 

In the midst of a festive party, as the fire crackles and the pile of presents grows ever higher, Clara is caught up in the warmth and excitement of Christmas and becomes enthralled by her new Nutcracker doll. But, as the clock strikes midnight, her Nutcracker proves to be no ordinary toy and Clara is whisked away on the magical journey of a lifetime through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.

 

Set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker features choreography and beautiful costumes by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, stunning Regency style sets by Charles Cusick Smith and lighting by Mark Jonathan.

 

David Nixon OBE, said: “The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most popular classical ballets and holds a special place in the hearts of audiences young and old. We are delighted to once again revive this charming story and add that extra bit of sparkle to the festive season for audiences in Newcastle.”

 

Northern Ballet will also stage a ballet specially aimed at children, when they perform Elves and The Shoemaker on Fri 13 Nov at 12 noon and 2pm. With an original score, composed by Philip Feeney, Elves and The Shoemaker follows the fantastic sell-out success of Ugly Duckling and Three Little Pigs by Northern Ballet

 

The Nutcracker is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tue 10 to Sat 14 Nov 2015, playing evenings at 7.30pm, matinees Thurs 2pm and Sat 2.30pm. Tickets from £14.50 (save 50p per ticket online). Elves and The Shoemaker plays on Fri 13 Nov at 12 noon and 2pm. Tickets £8 adults and £6 children. All tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

 

 

SEVENTH ROUND OF SMALL GRANTS ANNOUNCED

TTT_MARQUE_120x120 (1)

 

 

 

SEVENTH ROUND OF SMALL GRANTS ANNOUNCED
The Theatres Trust is pleased to announce its seventh round of small capital grants to theatres from its UK Small Grants Scheme. Successful theatres in this round are the Upfront Arts Theatre in Penrith, Bristol’s volunteer run Wardrobe Theatre, Colne’s Pendle Hippodrome, the Category B-listed Theatre Royal Dumfries, and the Horse and Bamboo Theatre in Rossendale.

Grants from The Theatres Trust Theatres Protection Fund Small Grants Scheme are awarded as follows:

Upfront Arts Theatre, Penrith receives £4,000 towards its ‘Upfront Grand Staircase’ project to build a linking staircase from the ground to the first floor of its theatre foyer area to significantly improve audience flow around the building.

Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol receives £5,000 towards its ‘New Dressing Room’ project to construct a dressing room within its new premises.

Pendle Hippodrome, Colne receives £5,000 towards its ‘Pendle Hippodrome Trust Ltd extension’ project to repair and fit a new roof to the recently acquired adjacent building, to allow the venue to expand its ancillary facilities.

Theatre Royal Dumfries receives £5,000 towards its ‘Refurbishment and extensions’ project to install sound-proof, custom-made auditorium and studio doors, in-keeping with the category B-listed building, as part of a larger scheme of works to refurbish and reopen the venue.

Horse and Bamboo Theatre, Rossendale receives £5,000 towards its ‘Boo Building Redevelopment Project’ to ensure wheelchair access to its improved theatre space.

Mhora Samuel, Director of The Theatres Trust said: “Our seventh round of small grants includes the Theatre Royal Dumfries, one of the oldest theatres in the country, as well as one of the newest, the Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol. I’m proud that our Theatres Protection Fund is helping to ensure theatres can address urgent repairs and provide long-term benefit.”

The Theatres Trust Small Grants Scheme helps theatres in need and at risk address urgent building repairs, improve their operational viability, introduce environmental improvements, and enhance physical accessibility.

Trustees of The Theatres Trust will meet in spring 2016 to consider further Small Grants Scheme awards. Deadline for Round 8 applications is 12noon Wednesday 3 February 2016.

The Forest, Live Theatre, 16 and 17 October

National tour for multi-sensory show that brings the forest to life for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

 

The Forest
Presented by Frozen Light in association with The New Wolsey

 

On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October Frozen Light theatre company present their unmissable new production The Forest in Live Theatre’s fully accessible Studio Theatre. The Forest is created for teenage (13+) and adult audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). It’s an intriguing multi-sensory tale, which immerses audiences in a world full of new sights, sounds, smells and sensations.
                                                                                               

Part love story, part mythical quest, The Forest places audiences at the heart of the action in a mysterious wooded glade. The immersive, hour-long performance allows everyone to experience the smell of the forest before a storm, the feel of raindrops on their palms and the sounds of birds singing overhead or twigs cracking underfoot.

Theatre company Frozen Light devised the accessible, inclusive production especially for teenagers and adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

After a premiere in May at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, The Public Reviews described the show as “the ultimate 3D live interactive performance” (see Notes to editors). Colchester based parent Sharon Slade, who saw the premiere with her daughter Lauren, said: “It was a sensory extravaganza…Lauren was totally transfixed”.

For many in the audience, says Frozen Light co-artistic director Amber Onat Gregory, it will be their first time in a mainstream theatre venue. She says:

“We want to enable people who rarely attend high street arts venues to experience the theatre With our 26-date tour, we hope to reach as many people with PMLD as possible.”

Lucy Garland, co-artistic director, adds:

“Through putting accessible theatre into theatre venues we hope to increase the visibility of people with PMLD and create activities for them to access within their local community.”

Frozen Light launched in 2013 as a response to arts venues that rarely cater for audiences with complex disabilities, although theatres are improving accessibility and offering relaxed performances for people who wouldn’t usually access the theatre. The Guardian recently published a good practice piece by Frozen Light on how to stage shows for people with profound disabilities (see Notes to editors).

Helen Moore, Director of Education and Engagement at Live Theatre, says:

“It is common place that theatre work for young people with PMLD often takes place in their school or care centre but once the young person has left, there is very little access to arts and culture available. At Live Theatre we are committed to ensuring that high quality theatre work and Live Theatre as a cultural venue can be enjoyed by everyone. We are delighted to be hosting Frozen Light Theatre Company and look forward to welcoming audiences to see this beautiful piece of work.”

Performing to an intimate audience, the three-strong cast accompanies the audience from the foyer into the performance space, ensuring a smooth transition into the theatre environment.

One-to-one interactions include singing directly to an audience member, or offering a prop to be explored through touch. Specially composed music is integrated throughout the performance.

The plot of The Forest involves a journey of self-discovery for the main characters, Thea (Gregory) and Robin (actor and musician Al Watts). Both dream of escaping their humdrum hometown existence, and a series of unexpected events, explained by caretaker of the forest and storyteller Ivy (Garland), result in an adventure into the forest, which changes their lives forever.

The Forest is currently on a nationwide tour. The 26 date tour from August to December includes venues in England, Wales and Scotland.

The Forest is at Live Theatre on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October. Tickets cost £8 plus one free ticket for an accompanying carer or companion. Please note that places for this show are limited. There are also additional tickets available for friends and family members. For more information on The Forest and to buy tickets for schools and individuals please call our box office on (0191) 232 1232. For further information about the show including pre-show resources please visit Live Theatre’s websitewww.live.org.uk.

 

Join the conversation: #TheForest @FrozenTheatre and @LiveTheatre

Yorkshire Cosplay Convention, Sheffield Arena, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June 2016

YORKSHIRE COSPLAY CON 2016
SHEFFIELD ARENA
SATURDAY 11TH & SUNDAY 12TH JUNE


This Summer, why not join the thousands of Anime, Cosplay, Comic Book, Sci-Fi and Video Gaming fans, as they embark on the ultimate, fun-packed weekend out at the Sheffield Arena Sturday 11th & Sunday 12thJune.

Tickets are now on sale in person at the Arena Box Office, by phone on 0114 256 5656 or online atwww.sheffieldarena.co.uk.

Tickets  are priced from £9.90 for adults & £7.70 for children (including booking fee) when booking by phone or online & from £9.45 for adults & £7.35 for children (including booking fee) when booking in person at the Arena Box Office. Early Bird Entrance & Weekend tickets also available.

Yorkshire Cosplay Con is an action fuelled, family friendly, geek convention like no other. It’s an event where characters (from film, tv, popular culture, anything that can be imagined…) come to life. Cosplaying (or ‘Costume Play’) is for everyone; from little children in fancy dress, to adults who want to embrace an alter-ego; from people who want to pretend to be someone else for a day or just people who like to dress up. From professional costumers, to handcrafted costumes that have taken years to perfect, you are likely to see a whole array of wonderful characters, a collection of which you could never imagine coming together in any other setting.

The event will have an action packed stage schedule with a variety of performances, plus a massive selection of stalls with all sorts of geeky, quirky and unusual items. Over the weekend there will be a range of guests from TV and Movies, as well as authors and graphic novelists. A wide range of activities are planned that are suitable for the entire family, including workshops, card and video gaming events, roleplay games, and more!

Yorkshire Cosplay Con we pride themselves as being the ultimate family friendly convention, so bring along the kids for free face painting and balloon modelling. Children will even get a chance to show off their own outfits in our increasingly popular kids cosplay competition on stage. We will have some amazing photo opportunities across the weekend, with recognisable props from your favourite tv shows and films, vehicles, and costumers – so, come and get your ‘selfies’ involved!

Yorkshire Cosplay Con will be in it’s 6th year and Summer 2016 at Sheffield Arena is set to be the biggest and best yet! From humble beginnings with the intention of bringing like-minded people together, it has grown to be one of the largest, most popular, events in the Yorkshire calendar.

Tickets are now on sale in person at the Arena Box Office, by phone on 0114 256 5656 or online at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk.

RSC ANNOUNCES RECORD FIGURES AT 2014/15 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

RSC ANNOUNCES RECORD FIGURES AT 2014/15 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CALLS FOR EVERY CHILD TO HAVE A GREAT FIRST EXPERIENCE OF SHAKESPEARE

 

The Royal Shakespeare Company calls for every child to have a great first experience of Shakespeare, as it announces record figures for 2014/15 at the Company’s AGM in Stratford-upon-Avon today.

During the year, the RSC sold over 1.8m tickets for 28 productions and co-productions, giving 2048 performances and touring for 70 weeks during the year.  Its education programmes reached over 530,000 children and young people.

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said: “We know great Shakespeare teaching can inspire young people, building confidence and skills in speaking, writing and listening – all essential for a successful future life.  The RSC approach, drawing on rehearsal room techniques, can change lives. Having had such success working with young people in the last year, we want to invite all schools across the country to join us to make 2016 a year to celebrate Shakespeare’s work with their students.  They can mark the 400th anniversary in the classroom, by watching a free broadcast or a live performance, or taking part in our Dream Team initiative, which runs alongside our 2016 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation.”

Students from Stratford College performed a verbatim theatre piece at the AGM, devised by Aileen Gonsalves, which highlighted the impact of RSC Education’s work across the UK.

Sam Colborne, Director of Creative Learning, Treviglas Community College in Cornwall, one of 400 schools in the RSC’s Learning and Performance Network, reported:  “What has happened has been, quite simply, life-changing. My teaching has been reinvigorated, refreshed and broadened… and the experiences of our students changed beyond anything we (or they) considered before. We have created shows to be proud of, and brought our community a little closer to Shakespeare, and perhaps even to each other. We’ve achieved outstanding lesson gradings from Ofsted, using approaches you have taught us. We have gained a pride we simply would not have discovered without the RSC.”

Gregory Doran continued:  “Shakespeare reminds us so eloquently what it is to be human and gives us a 360 degree view of life.  Our successes in 2014/15 in reaching new audiences show his continuing appeal and the power of live theatre to inspire and challenge us.  We have had a great year, not only with Shakespeare, but new plays like our acclaimed productions of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies and Tom Morton Smith’s dazzling Oppenheimer, and classics from Shakespeare’s contemporaries, with our ‘Roaring Girls’ strand celebrating great roles for women.

“As we prepare for 2016 and the biggest Shakespeare anniversary ever, we want to reach the widest possible audience, with thrilling, contemporary work – made in Shakespeare’s home town and shared across the world.  From productions in Stratford and a brand new exhibition and studio theatre, to a national tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Shakespeare’s ‘Great Cycle of Kings’ playing in London, China and New York, as well as worldwide cinema broadcasts, there is a rich programme on offer. As we look forward to 2016, I am grateful to all our sponsors, donors and friends, for all their support in bringing our work to audiences everywhere.”

The RSC also reported a strong financial year in 2014/15, with income of £63.9m, 75% generated through box office, commercial activities and fundraising, alongside public investment from Arts Council England of £15.8m.  Box office increased by 5% to £34.3m and trading income by 3% to £7m. The Company continued to offer a wide range of ticket discounts to open up theatre to everyone, with over 72,000 schools tickets, 19,000 family tickets and 20,000 BP £5 tickets for 16-25 year olds, and welcomed 570,000 day visitors to its Stratford home.  It also maintained its commitment to accessible performances, offering captioning, audio description, relaxed and signed performances, as well as touch tours.

The success of Matilda The Musical in London and other commercial transfers helped generate a surplus.  Having helped to balance the books in previous years, the profits are allocated to a strategic investment fund, from which they are spent on projects to help sustain the Company’s future, including funding the ‘Live From Stratford-upon-Avon’ cinema broadcasts.  The high quality live screenings have now reached over 420,000 people since they began in 2013, and the RSC screened 5 films for free to schools across the UK last year, alongside live Q&As with the creative teams.

The RSC’s annual review can be found here:

http://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/our-work/annual-review.aspx

 

 

Darlington Civic Theatre – The Basil Brush Show

Civic-Theatre-Hi-Res-Logo-1-117x300A BRUSH WITH BASIL

Family favourite Basil Brush will be appearing at Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 10 October.

Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. He’s cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick-witted, scheming and foxy, but at the same time he’s kind, caring and affectionate.

Basil has celebrated over 50 years in entertainment and The Basil Brush Show on BBC TV has been seen by millions of viewers all over the globe from 1968 through to today. The show was BAFTA nominated and voted best comedy show on TV.

Now, Britain’s most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Pizzey). Together they will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written ‘live’ stage show packed with fun and excitement.

Come and join in the mayhem, along with Mr Stephen who is continually interrupted by naughty uncontrollable Basil!

A show for all the family and you’ll also be able to meet Basil and Mr Stephen afterwards.

So in Basil’s words..”Boom Boom!”

The Basil Brush Show is as Darlington Civic Theatre on Saturday 10 October at 2.30pm. Tickets are £14 Adults, £13 Children and £42 for a Family ticket.

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Grand Opera House 2015 Panto Launch

Jack and the Beanstalk

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Friday 11 December 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016

Starring Scooch, Stuart Wade, Jade Ellis and Chris Casey

New Pantomime Productions return to the Grand Opera House York for the 17th year this Christmas with their spectacular family pantomime.

A fun packed show for all the family with crazy costumes, silly Jokes, live music, and a chance to boo the baddies, here at the Grand Opera House York this winter.

Fee Fi Fo Fum look out folks ‘cos here it comes – the best family panto in York

2015-09-06_00006 2015-09-08_00034

Jack lives in a small village with his Ma. They are very poor and when they look in the kitchen cupboards for food all they can find is a piece of mouldy cheese, a rotten apple core and a pair of smelly socks. They must do something – but what? Find out what happens when Jack takes their old cow to the market and ends up selling her for 5 beans…

Tickets for the panto go on sale on Tuesday 21 April at 10am. Call 0844 871 3024 to book yours now. For group bookings call 01904 678705. To book online go to www.atgtickets.com/york The theatre box office is open from 12 noon until 5:30pm for those who would like to book in person.

CHRIS CASEY has previously starred as Chester the Jester, SLEEPING BEAUTY, Simon Barry, New Pantomime Productions; REASONS TO BE PRETTY, Clifford Dean, English Theatre of Hamburg; FUNNY ABOUT LOVE, Robert Rumpf, English Theatre of Hamburg; ORESTES, Ricky Dukes, Lazarus Theatre Company, The Space; A GUY AT WORK STORY, Justin Michaels, Old Red Lion; MACBETH, Ricky Dukes, Lazarus Theatre Company, Blue Elephant Theatre; LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, Nick Young, Rainbow Theatre Co., Worthing; HENRY V, Nick Young, Rainbow Theatre Co., Greenwich; A PATRIOT FOR ME, David Harris, Charing Cross Theatre; THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN.

JADE ELLIS came into the music industry via ITV 1 talent show The X-Factor where she was a finalist mentored by judge Tulisa. During her time on the music entertainment series she quickly gained a reputation for her brilliant powerful vocal renditions, her determination to have success in her career

SCOOCH are Russ Spencer and Caroline Barnes. They represented the UK in 2007 at the Eurovision song Contest in Finland. Russ wrote the song ‘Flying the Flag (For You)’, signed to Warner Bros, which stormed the charts reaching No.5 in the UK. Scooch hold the record for the highest charting Eurovision single since the UK last won the contest in1997. Originally formed in 1999, Scooch signed to EMI and gained 4 Top 20 hits including the Top 5 single ‘More Than I Needed to Know’, all culminating in the album ‘Four Sure’. Worldwide Scooch scored No.1 singles in Japan and Australia.

As a TV presenter Russ has hosted the game show Make Your Play (ITV) Generation X (BBC), Glitterball (ITV) and The Great Big British Quiz (Channel 5). He has also presented shows for The Disney Channel, MTV and The Syfy Channel. TV acting work includes Footballer’s Wives (ITV) and Shameless (Channel 4). He has made numerous panto appearances including Jack in Jack & The Beanstalk (Princess Theatre Torquay) and the Prince at the Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent, Lighthouse Poole, Broadway Theatre Catford, Floral Pavilion New Brighton, Civic Theatre Doncaster and Theatre Royal Windsor in productions of Cinderella, Snow White, Puss in Boots and Sleeping Beauty.

Caroline Barnes was born in Leeds. She was in the original West End Cast as Dance Captain of Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), followed by the UK Tour. Other theatre credits include Resident Choreographer on the 2014 New Zealand Tour of Annie with Su Pollard, 42nd Street (London Palladium), Cats (U.A.E. Tour), Grease (Tour), Santa Claus The Musical (Marina Bay Sands, Singapore), Wayne Sleep’s Explosive Dance (Royal Albert Hall), Robin Hood (Wimbledon Theatre), Fairy Fantastica in Puss In Boots (Theatre Royal Windsor), Fairy Snowflake in Snow White (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton) and Princess Jill in Jack & The Beanstalk (Princess Theatre, Torquay). Caroline has also appeared in two Royal Variety Performances.

Her television work includes Coach Trip (Channel 4), Footballer’s Wives (ITV), Shameless (Channel 4), Tickled Pink (ITV) and commercials for American Express, EasyJet, Nectar and Calvin Klein for which she also choreographed. Currently Caroline is choreographing a new production of The Wizard Of Oz which will open at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth in February.

STUART WADE is a co-founder and a patron of “Theatre-Play” drama schools for children based in Yorkshire. He worked in theatre for seven years at the much respected Actor’s Workshop before deciding to further enhance his training at Mountview Theatre School in London. However, three weeks into his three year course, he was offered the part of ‘Biff’ Fowler in ITV’s Emmerdale. A role he continued to play for nearly six years. Other theatre credits include Dr. Frankenstein in Frankenstein: Mephistophiles in Faustus: Hamlet in Hamlet: Molina in Kiss of the Spiderwoman: Grant in Perfect Pitch and The Gentleman Caller in The Glass Menagerie. He has made many other television appearances, as well as presenting for ITV/Granada, and has also taken various roles for BBC Radio 4. More recently Stuart has progressed as a producer and director developing a series of charity concerts such as ‘A Night To Remember’, involving stars of London’s West End and television. He has also directed several of New Pantomime Productions shows including the 2006/7 ‘Cinderella’ at the Princess Theatre, Torquay and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Grand Opera House York.

Further casting to be announced

EMPIRE CINEMAS CATTERICK COMPLETES RECRUITMENT OF NEW STAFF AHEAD OF CINEMA OPENING

image001 (8) 

EMPIRE CINEMAS CATTERICK COMPLETES RECRUITMENT OF NEW STAFF AHEAD OF CINEMA OPENING

image002 (7)         30 new roles created for Catterick and surrounding areas

         500+ applications received from locals to work at the new cinema

        Empire Cinemas Catterick opens its doors to the public October 23rd

Empire Cinemas, the largest independently owned cinema chain in the UK, today announces the appointment of their new team of 30 staff members at Empire Cinemas Catterick. After receiving over 500 job applications, and interviewing over 100 candidates, Empire Cinemas Catterick has confirmed a team of 30 people, compiled of a variety of ages and experiences. The new state-of-the-art cinema is being built as part of the Princes Gate Complex to bring entertainment to residents of Catterick and surrounding areas.

Reporting to Dave Thomas, the recently appointed General Manager of Empire Cinemas Catterick, the new team has begun their hands on practical training at Empire Cinemas Sunderland and Newcastle. Inductions have also taken place at Catterick Golf Course whilst the Catterick site is developed, fitted and completed. The team is in place ahead of the much anticipated seven-screen cinema launch on Friday 23rd October.

The new team at Catterick will endure a busy first week with the new releases of Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension and The Last Witch Hunter out on the cinema’s opening day, and advanced screenings of the new James Bond film Spectre from Monday 26th October. Tickets and listings for the new cinema will be available in the next few weeks through the Empire Cinemas website: www.empirecinemas.co.uk

Dave Thomas, General Manager of the new Catterick site said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with the high calibre of candidates applying to work at the new cinema in Catterick. We’ve secured a brilliant new team and they can’t wait to meet the public on October 23rd.”

 

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinemas added: “Under the leadership of the new General Manager Dave Thomas, we are extremely proud of the new team’s effort to date in training and have every confidence they’ll do a fantastic job when the cinema opens to the public.”

FREE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ FUN PALACES WEEKEND

image001 (2) image003 (3)

FREE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT SHEFFIELD THEATRES’ FUN PALACES WEEKEND

Join Sheffield Theatres on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October as the doors are thrown open for a fun-filled weekend of free workshops, tours and activities in its first ever Fun Palaces Weekend.

Open to all ages and abilities, the weekend will feature a wide range of free, exciting ,creative and theatrical activities, giving a fun insight into what happens both on stage and behind-the-scenes at the theatre.

Dress up and strike a pose in the Theatrical Photo Booth; enjoy musical merriment from our wandering minstrels; make your own blood bags – crucial for any theatrical fatalities; record your own voice-over with the Sound Team and see yourself in a better light with a crash course in Lighting Design.

For those with on-stage aspirations, there will be a professional dance master class led by Victoria Hinde, familiar to audiences from her roles in Anything Goes, Oliver and My Fair Lady, a Singing Workshop from Anything Goes’ Musical Director Tom Brady and even a Family Stage Combat Workshop, where you can learn how to throw a theatrical punch or plant a stage slap on your nearest and dearest!  Families can also embark on a Penguin Hunt or get crafty and design a special Fun Palaces poster.

Ever wondered what it’s like behind-the-scenes?  Join the crew on a Hard-Hat Tour and watch theLyceum stage transform before your eyes, as the team build a set, learn about the star-studded history of the Crucible and if you dare, wander the Lyceum after hours, in search of the ghostlyLavender Lady.  Meanwhile over in the Crucible’s Adelphi Room, take part in Sheffield Theatres’ first ever Silent Disco, dancing to your own personal soundtrack to suit your mood!  Or if you prefer something louder and later, Crucible Corner will be holding an Open Mic night for any wannabe musicians.

With so many different amazing activities on offer – what will you do?

 

Sheffield Theatres’ Fun Palaces Weekend is on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October from 10.00am, for the full schedule of free activities and to book onto specialist workshops, visit sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or visit the Box Office on Tudor Square. Touch tours and BSL support is available – please advise the Box Office when pre-booking your activities.